Death of a Unicorn: horror and absurdity, but no magic (critic)

With Jenna Ortega at the head of the poster and her fairly crazy magico-horrifying concept, Death of a Unicorn had something to hit. But the execution leaves something to be desired.

Carried by the Netflix mega-star and a promising pitch, the film could have been the surprise of the year. But he failed to convince criticism in the USA and ultimately collected $ 16 million at the box office when it was released in American cinemas last spring. Result: no cinemas outing in France. The film is only available in VOD since yesterday (August 18). So, does this unicorn deserve to be ride?

Everything is not successful in Death of a Unicornbut we must salute the intention of this slightly wobbly curiosity, not completely devoid of bloody charm. Alex Scharfman signs a unbridled tale, pure gore and generous entertainment, which begins with the journey of a father and his daughter in a forest and remote region. In this landscape virgin of all human exploitation, they accidentally overthrow a wild animal that looks greatly like … a unicorn! Panicked, they decide to place the dead animal in the trunk of the car. But when the creature reveals its potential, it attracts the lust of an odious family of unscrupulous pharmaceutical industrialists.

Designed as a great chaotic of absurd humor and grotesque violence, the film summons the spirit of Jurassic Parkin a version where the Raptors were replaced by unicorns. But Death of a Unicorn Do not just be a cruel and delusional farce: he tries to explore his more in -depth concept … without knowing too much if he has to take himself seriously. Alex Scharfman constantly hesitates: crazy horrific comedy? Fantastic tale opponent magic creatures and human baseness? The filmmaker oscillates, changes his tone constantly. You never know if you have to laugh, being fascinated or horrified by this avalanche of bowels that squirt here and there.

As for the A24 label (simple distributor here), it masks a budget problem. Shot for $ 15 million, the film visually shows big limits: if the design of terrifying unicorns is very cool, the special effects are very uneven and sometimes frankly failed.

Fortunately, a brilliant cast lends itself to the game of massacre. Of course, the heroine is Jenna Ortega, perfect as a dreamy and romantic girl by Paul Rudd (the Ant-Man of Marvel). But it is especially the Trio Téa Leoni, Richard E. Grant and Will Poulter who steals the show. Together, they form a family of abominable “Richie Rich” that we absolutely want to see being scored for 1:30.